The Pulse: Dec. 8, 2025

This week, council is set to receive an update on the operating and capital budgets and discuss a potential parking revenue agreement with the Winspear Centre.

There is a city council meeting scheduled for Dec. 8, and 10 and an audit committee meeting scheduled for Dec. 10. There is a council services committee meeting scheduled for the morning of Dec. 12 and an emergency advisory committee meeting scheduled for the afternoon of Dec. 12.

Here are some key items on the agenda:

• City administration has forecast a $15.7-million surplus in 2025, but said that it will not resolve Edmonton's financial challenges. The surplus can be attributed in part to revenue from admissions to city-owned attractions, EPCOR franchise fees, and tax penalties all being higher than expected. In a report set to be presented to council on Dec. 8, administration proposes to use the surplus to restore the financial stabilization reserve. This would allow the city to replenish the reserve in 2028, one year earlier than planned, so long as the city budget does not go into a deficit before then.
• Of the 85 projects in the 2023-2026 capital budget, 80 are within the acceptable tolerance for budget and 78 are within the acceptable tolerance for schedule, according to a report set to be presented to council on Dec. 8. The city is 61% delayed on its work to rehabilitate the Iron Works building, 28% behind on the Imagine Jasper Avenue project, and 120% behind on the downtown district energy project, as that project has increased in scope. The Enterprise Commons project is 45% over budget, the Heritage Valley land development project is 59% over budget, and the Capital Line LRT south extension is 34% over budget.
• City administration said it does not support creating a revenue sharing agreement with the Winspear Centre to allow the organization to earn revenue from the Century Place parkade. In 2014, the city loaned the Winspear $12.9 million to construct a parking structure for the Winspear's Completion Project. That parkade is not yet open, but has less than half the parking stalls that were originally planned, meaning the Winspear will collect less parking revenue than expected. That, in turn, will put pressure on its finances and ability to pay back its loan. The Winspear has now requested that the city allow it to collect revenue from the nearby Century Place parkade. For context, in 2021, the city and the Winspear entered into an agreement that saw the Winspear construct a shell to house an energy centre for the downtown district energy system. As part of that contract, the parties agreed to explore a revenue sharing agreement for the Century Place parkade, which city employees use during the day but otherwise sits mostly empty in the evenings and on weekends. Administration has presented three options. The city could enter into an agreement to allow the Winspear to earn revenue from the lot during evenings and weekends. Under this option, the city would be required to fund $1.1 million in security upgrades. The second option is for the city to grant the Winspear a license to operate the Century Place parkade. In this scenario, the Winspear would be responsible for operational funding and licensing fees, and would collect revenue from the lot; the city, meanwhile, would need to fund the security upgrades. Administration has noted the second option may reduce market interest in Century Place, which it plans to sell. The third option is for the city to give the Winspear $5 million, a payout based on the projected revenue for a 20-year lease of the lot. Administration said the city has no legal obligation to provide parking revenue to the Winspear.

• Edmonton city council approved fall budget adjustments, resulting in a 6.9% property tax increase for 2026, addressing challenges like inflation and rapid population growth, the City of Edmonton said in a release. Operating adjustments include increased user fees for services such as animal care and transit, $11 million in ongoing funding for Explore Edmonton, and $5.8 million for more peace officers to enhance traffic safety. Council also approved $123.4 million in capital adjustments for projects like new fire stations, 25 new buses, Neighbourhood Renewal, and new school sites. An additional $12.7 million will restore the Financial Stabilization Reserve. Some councillors said council failed to show enough restraint after rejecting proposed cuts and approving spending that pushed the tax increase higher.
• The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) expressed disappointment with the 6.9% property tax increase passed by Edmonton city council in the 2026 budget. Kayode Southwood of CFIB said the increase neglects affordability issues for businesses and citizens. Businesses currently pay more than three times the residential property tax rate, contributing 45% of the city's property taxes despite making up only 22% of property value. CFIB had recommended a 2% annual property tax shift for four years to address this disparity, warning that Edmonton's small businesses may seek more competitive jurisdictions.
• Three Edmonton-area schools were experiencing respiratory illness outbreaks as of Dec. 6. This situation coincides with lagging flu shot numbers in the region, raising concerns about the spread of respiratory illnesses within educational settings.
• Edmonton's new southbound overpass on 50 Street opened between 90 Avenue and Sherwood Park Freeway, marking the second major milestone for the 50 Street Widening and Railway Grade Separation project. This new overpass eliminates railway crossing waits, improves traffic flow, and reduces congestion, the City of Edmonton said in a release. All southbound vehicle traffic now uses the overpass, providing three lanes in each direction. The northbound overpass opened in 2024, and the full project, including pedestrian pathways, is on track for completion by the end of 2026.
• Capacity issues at Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton have caused chemotherapy delays for children. Sam Wong of the Alberta Medical Association said an increasing "bed crunch" is leading to cancelled surgeries and the use of common spaces for beds. A new standalone Stollery is still five to eight years away. Alberta Health Services said it is adding 10 inpatient beds for the respiratory virus season.
• Alberta Health Services issued an alert on Dec. 5 after a confirmed measles case led to potential public exposure at Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital emergency room between 8pm on Dec. 4 and 1:16am Dec. 5, and at the Walter Mackenzie Health Sciences Centre from 11:16pm on Dec. 4 to 2:30am on Dec. 5. Anyone present during these times is advised to monitor for symptoms like fever and rash. If symptoms appear, stay home and call the measles hotline at 1-844-944-3434 before seeking medical care.
• Sameer (Sam) Singh and Tracy F. Barry are among eight 2025 Alberta Volunteer Stars who were recognized for community leadership. Singh earned the honour for advancing anti-racism through education, municipal policy work and the Indigenous-focused board game Exploring wâhkôhtowin. Barry received the award for fighting gender discrimination through the Gradual Rising of Women Foundation, which she founded in 2016.
• The Alberta government plans to update its security guard training program, one year after security guard Harshandeep Singh, an international student, was fatally shot on Dec. 6, 2024, while on duty at an apartment building in Edmonton's Central McDougall neighbourhood. The revised 40-hour Alberta Basic Security Training course, set to launch in 2026, will enhance content, strengthen preparedness, and include more focus on de-escalation and defensive techniques.
• In an op-ed published in Postmedia, former mayor of Edmonton Amarjeet Sohi shared insights into nation-building gained from the Trans Mountain Expansion (TMX) project. He wrote that TMX tripled pipeline capacity, opened new markets, and generated $13 billion in oil revenues, $4.4 billion for provincial royalties, and $2 billion for federal taxes in its first year. Sohi said such projects require hard work, environmental oversight, and Indigenous participation. He also wrote that Alberta's prosperity is stronger in a functioning federation and that Canada's economic future depends on collective action on large infrastructure.
• The Edmonton Oilers are showing signs of recovery after a challenging start to their season. As of Dec. 7, the team holds a 4-2-1 record in their last seven games, including a 6-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets and a 9-4 win against the Seattle Kraken. The team's offence and defence, including goaltending from Stuart Skinner, are showing improvement.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• ANHIX Christmas Networking Social starting at 5pm at Arcadia Brewing Co.
• Snowflake Gala starting at 5:30pm at Edmonton Convention Centre
• Exploring Acrylic: Winter's Sparkle starting at 6pm at The Paint Spot
• Green Drinks YEG starting at 7pm at The Buckingham Pub
• Come ye, and behold, as we assuredly DIE-NASTY starting at 7:30pm at Varscona Theatre

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Dec. 20: Girl Brain, Actually at Roxy Theatre
• Until Jan. 4: Zoominescence: A Festival of Light at Edmonton Valley Zoo
• Jan. 9: Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - In Concert at Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium

Visit the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.

Test your crossword prowess and deploy a little of your Edmonton knowledge. Complete the puzzle.

The answer to 1- and 4-Across has several great concerts coming up.